hard knocks

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Dubois is a graduate of the literal school of hard knocks.

From BBC • Sep. 20, 2024

"Everyone loved her. I grew up with Tina Turner and she was a great woman to me, with a lot of sorrow too due to life's hard knocks but absolutely someone we could admire."

From Reuters • May 25, 2023

“I’ve had a lot of hard knocks in my life, so I am mentally preparing myself” for the worst, Erickson said.

From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 2, 2022

Unexpected twists, and the way Fiske and Hallin are unafraid of veering off to follow the stories that unfold before them, elevate “Scheme Birds” beyond a typical portrait of hard knocks.

From New York Times • Jul. 27, 2022

Shasta cried only a very little; he was used to hard knocks.

From "The Horse and His Boy" by C.S. Lewis